Saturday, June 26, 2010

Zolra's Corner: Celebrate You

I will be attending Gay Pride down here in my hometown New Orleans. Honestly, it will be the first pride I ever attended. Just thinking about attending it is making me nervous. I want to start the weekend by giving ya'll some good advice. The LGBT community have been celebrating like crazy, I had thoughts about drinking pina colada Daiquiris. Then I remind myself I'm only 18 years old. Here is some advice I have given before, but I feel like it's the right time to talk about it again.

I am 18 years old, but work like a 25 year old. Most people are shocked at how my work ethic is. Not only that, but I am comfortable with who I am. If anyone asks me if I'm gay, I'm fine with that. I've got nothing to hide. You don't have to assume. Just ask me nicely.

Because of the fact that I am so young and becoming successful very swiftly, I feel like I have a responsibility for the younger audience in the LGBT community. Many people around my age are dealing with nonacceptance from family and friends. All this homophobia and criticism around them are starting to crush them like poison that can spread across the body in the blink of an eye.

For all the young ones out there, be comfortable with who you are. Only one person controls you're life and that's you. Take control and write your own story. Now that you're reaching adulthood, you are becoming 100% independent. At this time, focus on your life.

I love and accept who I am. No one forced me to be this. I have had feelings for guys since I was 2 years old. At times, I denied it. But as the years gone by, I realize this is who I am. When people see me doing what I've always wanted to do at 18 years of age, they imagine what I'll be like when I'm 25. Life is something. All we can do is accept it for what it is. A balance between positive and negative.

Surround yourself with people that are going to influence you to a better future. For me, it's great feeling to talk to people who i know is going to inspire me everyday. My friends Nathan "Seven" Scott and Dwight Allen O'Neal are one of the bests. I can speak and chat with them, knowing that I am not alone. I am not the only homosexual being on the planet. This is something that has been going on for years.

So for all the young ones that are still going through this, just know that we've been there. We've experienced it. We know what it feels like. Don't even think of yourself as an outside. Think of yourself as a human being just like everybody else.

It's time to celebrate people. Just like one of my favorite songs ever, it's time to celebrate yourself.